Utah Valley University follows established rules regarding access to spaces and records, outlined more fully below.
Generally, anyone is allowed to enter areas that are open to the public.
Access to non-public areas is more limited. This includes places where the university has restricted entrance by access cards, locked doors, or monitored entryways. It also includes areas that are open to certain individuals with authority to be there. Examples are offices, file rooms, classrooms, and labs.
Individuals without university-authorized access may only enter restricted areas with a search warrant or other appropriate legal authorization. To be enforceable these generally have to be signed by a judge, and even if signed by a judge, most orders provide an opportunity for the university to review their scope, validity, and object.
Follow our existing protocols by asking the person for their information and under what authorization they have to access the space. If they provide a search warrant or other legal authorization, let them know that you are not the individual authorized to make decisions regarding entrance based on those documents. Tell the person to wait while you call UVU Police Department (UVUPD), who can be reached at 801-863-5555. The Office of General Counsel can also be engaged to determine the validity of court orders or other legal documents at 801-863-5630.
People who are not legitimately authorized to be in a restricted area may be asked to leave.
No, the federal government engages its officers specifically to enforce immigration matters. The UVUPD does not ask anyone about their immigration status and does not detain anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status.
The UVUPD must enforce a criminal warrant from any law enforcement agency, including ICE, and may otherwise pursue any criminal activity not based on immigration status.
If you receive a request for personally identifiable records about an employee or student from anyone, ask them if they have authorization to have access to the records. If they share a warrant or other legal documentation, contact the following:
Do not share data with someone who does not have appropriate authorization.
Records with personally identifiable data are generally protected by several laws, including FERPA. Under FERPA, universities are required to release student’s education records when presented with a lawfully issued subpoena, court order, or other similar legal documentation. Students may make a request to control access to certain records, including granting or restricting access, by visiting the Registrar’s Office in person (BA 113) or online.
Ask the person for their information and under what authorization they are seeking such information. If they provide a warrant or subpoena, let them know that you are not able to determine the validity of those documents. Tell the person to wait while you call UVUPD, who can be reached at 801-863-5555. The Office of General Counsel can also be contacted at 801-863-5630 to determine the validity of warrants, subpoenas, or other legal documents.
Federal law prohibits “concealing, harboring, or shielding” from detection any individuals with unlawful immigration status. Employees should not offer to hide individuals, alert them to the presence of enforcement officers, or advise them on how to avoid detection. Engaging in such action may be considered a criminal offense under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Employees may direct concerned individuals to community resources such as free legal clinics that advise on matters of immigration law. UVU employees may continue to provide the same education support services—academic advising, financial aid counseling, mental health services, registration support, etc.—that they provide to all students.
